CCAA supports extension of Caribbean Basin-US Trade
Partnership Act (CBTPA)

Washington, D.C.–Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) testified at a public hearing of the United States International Trade Commission on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008. Representing CCAA were Mr. Manuel Rosales, President and CEO and Mr. Stephen Lande, Trustee of CCAA and President of Manchester Trade.

CCAA emphasized the long standing economic, trade and cultural ties with the United States and the importance of access to the US market for these smaller economies. The organization noted that the enforcement of stringent maritime requirements will have adverse effect on trade and disrupt the economic growth of Caribbean neighbors. Notably Mr. Rosales commented, “Many of the smaller economies in the region lack the resources necessary to sustain the level of security necessary for maritime, transshipment and port compliance. CCAA believes that the US must assist the region in achieving a standard that encourages trade flows while simultaneously meeting US security goals.”

CCAA recommended a new holistic technical assistance program that is regional in scope. Such an innovative program can aim to standardize security procedures implemented by ports throughout the area, regardless of nationality and to simultaneously enhance maritime security and target customs operations to better control, monitor, and report anomalies anywhere within the chain of custody and tourist industry.

Stephen Lande then testified on the broader technical trade aspects of the CBTPA and the key issues on which a renewed agreement should focus to maximize benefits to the US and the region. Some of the significant points brought forth by Mr. Lande were with respect to textile and apparel provisions especially with respect to the special case of Haiti; ways to take advantage of regional proximity; how US legislation could be crafted to avoid making unintended trade disputes; financial aid and technical assistance and the necessity of a Free Trade Agreement with the region.

The hearings were meant for high level government officials and experts to provide information intended to help inform recommendations from the International Trade Commission to Chairman Charles Rangel of the Ways and Means Committee of the US House of Representatives, on the possible extension of the CBTPA and on ways that US trade policy can be most beneficial to Caribbean Basin countries.

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